pickpockets

[benfilo]

when we first visted about 15 years ago we wer told to watch out for pickpockets, by our rep. It's good advice in any crowd, even pickpockets might go to florida on holiday[msnwink]
But I have to agrre I've always been relaxed there {too much going on to worry}

benfilo

[hightide]

I dont suspect that there are many pickpockets that want to pay the gate prices just to get in and ply there trade (unless they steal the tickets first). Plus if you dont look like you belong I guess security would be keeping a good eye on you.

Hightide

[benfilo]

just to be fair I think they should wear stiped shirts and lone ranger masks[msnsmile2] seriously though all what i meant was that it the very nature of florida must attract a few villains , they rely on distraction to do the lifting and we all know there's plenty of that in Orlando.

Don't mean to sound like an expert[msnscared]

fagin.. I mean benfilo

[lisi]

Don't know about the parks but last year I had my bag snatched on International Drive and sustained lacerations and had to go to hospital for stitches. The police were on the scene immediately - got the guy and my bag minus 60 dollars. Funny thing was we never felt threatened all the time we were in Kissimmee and everyone said it was a rare incident. I was OK until I got back to UK and then went into post traumatic shock. I think he targeted me because I walk with a stick and he probably thought I was an easy target. It hasn't put us off though as we are going back in October albeit to the Gulf Coast. But it has made me wary I must say.

Lisi

[Seminole]

Not nearly as bad as Paris. Last time I had hardly stepped foot in Place De L'Opera before I was accosted. Told him in Spanish that I was a Bolivian Police captain. That sent him running!

[traceya89]

JUST COME BACK FROM LONDON FOR THE WEEKEND AND FELT REALLY VUNERABLE ALL THE TIME, NEVER FELT LIKE THAT IN FLORIDA. A FEW YEARS AGO MY MAM HAD HER BAG SLASHED ON TTHE BUS IN LONDON AND HER PURSE TAKEN. THE THIEVES ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL AS WE DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING.

[ncmurray]

Well, we live in the northwest of England, and constantly leave our garage door wide open overnight, and windows to the house open, and on a couple of occasions, even the front door swinging in the wind, and have had not a problem, at least not yet!! Suffice to say, I will not be more specific as to our address[msnwink]

[anna maria freak]

Thieves are opportunists, and believe it or not they also go on holiday, if an easy target presents itself they will strike and be long gone before you realise anything is missing [:0] be aware and be safe [8D]


Lorraine

[John Boy]

Well as some of you know I live in Spain and work in Florida

On Sat I had my wallet picked in Mas y Mas Supermacado €400 euros, 50pounds and $100 in the wallet together with driving licenses, Credit and Debit cards covering 4 banks in three countries WHAT A BUMMER Don’t even ask why I was carrying that much money around with me I just got plain Stupid.

First thing my wife says when I call her from the cop shop is
"don't use this as a battering ram to get me to go back and live in Florida" not "are you all right" or any other pleasantry no just "don't use this as a battering ram to get me to go back and live in Florida"

Now just to give you some clarity on the situation here there were 43 robberies committed in and around Javea last week all in supermarkets

Where do I feel the safest - GUESS?

[blott]

Sorry to hear about that John Boy. You're right though, I've been visiting Florida for many years and have never had any 'incident' or felt unsafe there, quite the reverse in fact.

Some of the tips for staying safe, wherever you are on holiday, are really simple. If there's a safe provided in your villa or accommodation, then use it. Don't take your entire worldly goods in credit cards and money out with you. If you must take everything out with you, then spread them around other people in your party. Don't take piles of jewellery with you either, far better to leave it at home with someone you can trust to look after it for you. Don't keep your wallet in your back or shirt pocket, get something to keep it in with a zipper to make life difficult for thieves. Carry your handbag on the side away from the road and make sure that you know where your valuables, like cameras, are at all times - wrap the strap around your wrist or hang it around your neck.

Alll that's necessary is to take sensible precautions wherever you're visiting and you should be fine.